Ramon Bejasa Communication, Virtual Communication

Mastering Virtual Communication: Why Your Webcam is the New Power Suit

by Ramon Bejasa

Virtual communication isn’t going anywhere. And most of us are still bad at it. We unmute, forget what we were going to say, and then spend the next ten seconds staring at a dog chasing its own tail in the background.

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

Your Presence Is Now a Small Box on a Screen

It used to be that a firm handshake and a sharp suit did most of the work. Now you’re a rectangle competing with Slack notifications and whatever’s happening on someone’s second monitor. A good headset doesn’t fix that. Neither does a beach-scene background, tempting as it is.

What actually works is simpler and harder: how you connect when the connection itself is unreliable.

Look at the Camera, Not the Screen

Everyone knows this. Almost nobody does it. Looking at your own face, or the other person’s, instead of the lens feels more natural but it reads as looking away. The fix isn’t complicated, just uncomfortable at first: treat the camera like it’s the person you’re talking to. It took me a while to stop feeling like I was talking to a piece of plastic. It’s worth pushing through.

Make Peace With the Mute Button

Forget to mute, and your neighbor’s dog joins the call. Forget to unmute, and you deliver your entire pitch to silence. I’ve done this, mid-sentence, in front of a client. Do a sound check before anything that matters. It takes five seconds and saves you from finding out the hard way.

Body Language Still Counts

You’re a talking head, but you’re still a body. Nod. Use your hands a little. Sit like you’re paying attention, not like you’re waiting for the meeting to end. People can tell the difference even through a laggy connection.

Let Things Go Wrong Out Loud

The people who seem effortlessly good at this aren’t glitch-free. They just don’t fight it when their kid walks in or the wifi drops for three seconds. They laugh, say sorry, keep going. That’s it. Trying to perform composure through a tech failure usually reads worse than the failure itself.

Ask people how they’re doing at the start of a call, and actually wait for the answer. It’s a small thing. It’s also the thing people remember.

Know When Not to Turn the Camera On

Not everything needs to be a video call. A quick update can be an email. A short check-in can be a phone call, walking, camera off. Save the video for when you actually need to see each other’s faces. Your eyes will thank you by 4pm.

The Bottom Line

None of this is complicated. It’s mostly just uncomfortable until it isn’t. Look at the lens, check your mute status, let the dog have its moment, and the rest tends to sort itself out.

Ramon Bejasa Communication

12 Powerful Active Listening Techniques to Boost Your Communication Skills

by Ramon Bejasa

In today’s fast-paced world, communication is essential to success in both personal and professional settings. However, despite the amount of time we spend in conversations, most of us struggle with one of the most crucial aspects of communication—listening. Studies show that people typically remember only 25% to 50% of what they hear, meaning critical information often slips through the cracks. This can lead to misunderstandings, lost opportunities, and fractured relationships.

Mastering the skill of active listening is more important than ever. Whether you’re navigating workplace dynamics, building relationships, or solving problems, being able to listen effectively can transform your interactions. But what exactly is active listening, and why is it so challenging?

Photo by Liza Summer

What is Active Listening?

Active listening is much more than just hearing words; it’s about fully engaging with the speaker and understanding the complete message being conveyed. This involves not only paying attention to the words being said but also interpreting the tone, body language, and emotions behind them. In fact, communication studies reveal that words account for only 7% of a message, while tone represents 38% and body language 55%.

By practicing active listening, you make a conscious effort to not just hear, but to understand and respond to what’s being communicated. It requires you to be present, avoid distractions, and genuinely invest in the conversation. This skill is essential in building trust, avoiding misunderstandings, and fostering productive dialogue.

Challenges of Active Listening

Active listening sounds simple in theory, but in practice, it can be quite challenging. Here are some common obstacles that get in the way of effective listening:

  1. Internal Distractions: Our minds are often filled with thoughts about what we want to say next or concerns unrelated to the conversation at hand. This mental noise prevents us from fully absorbing what the other person is saying.
  2. Judgment and Bias: It’s easy to form opinions or assumptions while someone is speaking, which may cause us to tune out or misinterpret their message.
  3. Multitasking: In a world that encourages multitasking, many people try to listen while checking their phones, typing, or thinking about their to-do lists. This divided attention significantly reduces comprehension and connection.
  4. Emotional Reactions: Sometimes, the content of the conversation may trigger an emotional response, making it difficult to stay objective or focused.

Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them and becoming a more effective listener.

Benefits of Active Listening

The advantages of mastering active listening go far beyond simply understanding the speaker. It can significantly impact various areas of your life:

  1. Enhanced Communication: Active listening ensures that messages are received and understood as intended, reducing the chances of miscommunication.
  2. Improved Relationships: Whether in the workplace or in personal life, being a good listener fosters trust, respect, and deeper connections.
  3. Better Problem-Solving: By listening actively, you gain more insights, perspectives, and details that help you address issues more effectively.
  4. Increased Productivity: When you fully understand conversations the first time, you can make quicker decisions and avoid the need for clarifications or corrections later on.
  5. Conflict Resolution: Listening with empathy and understanding reduces tensions, making it easier to resolve conflicts and reach amicable solutions.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

12 Powerful Active Listening Techniques

Now that we understand what active listening is and why it matters, let’s dive into 12 powerful techniques that will help you improve this essential skill. These methods will ensure you not only hear but truly understand and engage with others:

  1. Place full attention on the speaker: Don’t let your mind wander during conversations.
  2. Stay curious and open-minded: Keep an open mind about what is being said.
  3. Hold back your own ideas: Let the other person finish speaking before sharing your thoughts.
  4. Balance the conversation: Aim for the speaker to talk 70% of the time, and you 30%.
  5. Maintain appropriate eye contact: Look around the speaker’s eye zone without staring.
  6. Use engaged body language: Lean forward, nod, and avoid crossing your arms.
  7. Pay attention to body language shifts: Respond appropriately to changes in their non-verbal cues.
  8. Use validating phrases: Encourage the speaker by saying things like “Right,” “I see,” or “Go on.”
  9. Ask clarifying questions: Explore the topic further to ensure understanding.
  10. Paraphrase what you heard: Summarize their points in your own words to check your understanding.
  11. Play back your perception: Confirm your interpretation of the situation.
  12. Take time to reflect: Pause and consider your response before speaking.

By following these techniques, you can become a more effective listener and enhance your communication in all areas of life.